Magic Add Size, Athleticism and Youth to Back Court - Rookie Shawn Johnson Signs with Team

Sep 04, 2018

(Moncton, New Brunswick – September 4) The Magic have added a second rookie to their roster for the upcoming 2018-19 NBL Canada season, with the recent signing New Orleans, Louisiana native Shawn Johnson.

Johnson, a 6'5", 210lb guard, played collegiately at Incarnate Word, an NCAA division 1 school located in San Antonio Texas. Johnson caught the eye of Magic Head Coach and GM of Player Personnel Joe Salerno at the McNeil Sports Hoop Summit in Houston, Texas earlier this spring.

"Shawn was the best all around player in the gym the entire weekend in Houston" commented Salerno. "He has great size, athleticism and a polished skill set. I was able to see him live for a second time later this summer in Las Vegas, and it was more of the same. He is as solid of a true rookie prospect as I have seen in quite some time."

The 23 year-old is coming off an impressive senior campaign with the Cardinals, which saw him average 12.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.5 steals per game, but now says he is ready and excited to make the jump to the pro ranks.

"I'm excited to get the opportunity to start my pro career in Canada with the Moncton Magic. When deciding between offers, I had heard great things about the Magic organization and the NBL Canada. I am ready for the challenge of competing in a tough league with the goal of helping my team win games, while getting better as I go forward" said Johnson.

Johnson, joins Canadian guard Gentrey Thomas as the only other rookie listed on the Magic's training camp roster thus far, which is slated to kick off in late October at Crandall University. Both Johnson and Thomas are expected to join the Magic on their China tour later this month.

About MONCTON MAGICHeadquartered in Moncton, NB, the MONCTON MAGIC is a professional basketball organization that operates under a licensing agreement with the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC). The team will play its games in a two-conference league with clubs located in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

The Moncton Magic's logo is a trademark of The Moncton Magic. The logo may not be reproduced by any means or in any form whatsoever without written permission.The team name, logos and uniform designs are trademarks of the Moncton Magic. All other NBL Canada-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Basketball League of Canada.